Witheford Equine Ltd
Westcourt Stables
Westcourt · Burbage
Marlborough · Wiltshire
SN8 3BW
Office : 01672 811423
Fax : 01672 811416
Introduction
The statement ‘every horse deserves a chance’ has pride of place on the front of the brochure for Gary Witheford’s Stables at Westcourt. This reflects the firm belief of everyone that works with Gary that, no matter what problem the horse brings with it, there is always a possibility of change and the chance of a better life for both horse and owner.
With over 25 years experience, initially in racing and then working and studying with the pioneers of new methods of horse training in America and Scandinavia, Gary has developed a unique insight into the psychology of the horse. He uses the term natural horsemanship to best describe his training methods that are based on observation of horses in the wild, in particular how one lead mare actively manages the behaviour of other horses in a herd without the need for aggression.
Gary's ability to get the best from the most difficult and sometimes most dangerous of horses, was identified at an early stage. Eventually, he decided to concentrate on bringing on these difficult youngsters. Ignoring the horse’s past history he would start from scratch, building up its confidence until it was safe and ready for racing.
Gary has developed a unique insight into the psychology of the horse, he is passionate about the work he does with horses and has created his own unique techniques to deal with equine traits and behaviour in a shorter period of time than it usually takes using more ‘traditional’ methods. His training methods are based on observation of horses in the wild.
He does not resort to beating, shouting or abuse, but uses calmer, straightforward methods that allow the horse to quickly learn and respond in the light of their own natural behavioural patterns. In this way they learn to accept human control as quickly as possible and are ready for race training in a much shorter space of time.
Craig Witheford has followed in his father’s footsteps. He has discarded his mantle as ‘The Apprentice’ and has now inherited the same natural horsemanship approach in his work
Anyone spending more than a few hours at Westcourt will notice that we deal with all members of the equine family, even Zebras. Following the yearling sales the yard will be full of young racehorses waiting to take their first steps in what hopefully will be a successful career. These are sent to Gary by top trainers who believe that Gary's methods produce racehorses that handle well, load into stalls and, in particular, avoid the loss of valuable energy needed in the race by having a calm approach to the pre-race procedures. A horse that is dancing and pulling its lad around the paddock and then messing about in front of the starting stalls is hardly conserving energy for the race ahead.
As more people have become aware that there is a real alternative to traditional methods of breaking in, Gary has found himself inundated with enquiries, particularly from people wanting to give their youngsters the best possible start in life. Gary is able to offer tailor-made programmes to suit each horse’s individual needs and many owners are astounded by the changes seen in a short space of time.
Please see our News Update regarding remedial bookings which should now be made by referral from your Instructor or Riding Establishment.
